Incilius alvarius Cell-Based Synthesis of 5-Methoxy-N,N-Dimethyltryptamine.
Leonard Lerer, Eric Reynolds, Jeet Varia, Karin Blakolmer, Bernard Lerer
Psychedelic medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.) March 1, 2023 DOI: 10.1089/psymed.2022.0001 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Laboratory study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Incilius alvarius parotoid gland cells |
| Topics | 5-MeO-DMT DMT |
| Keywords | Sonoran desert toad Chromatography Entourage molecules Psychedelics 5-MEO-DMT Tryptamines Entheogens Hallucinogens Biotechnology cell culture Tissue engineering Bioprocessing Conservation species protection Wildlife preservation Endangere |
| Citations | 6 |
| Key points | A cell line established from the parotoid gland of Incilius alvarius can biosynthesize 5-MeO-DMT, confirmed by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. |
Abstract
There is growing interest in the therapeutic potential of 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) for psychiatric disorders. Although 5-MeO-DMT can be chemically synthesized, the parotoid gland secretions of Incilius alvarius (also known as the Colorado River or Sonoran Desert toad) contain 5-MeO-DMT and other molecules including bufotenine, bufagenins, bufotoxins, and indole alkylamines that may have individual clinical utility or act as entourage molecules to enhance the activity of 5-MeO-DMT. I. alvarius is currently under severe ecological pressure due to demand for natural 5-MeO-DMT and habitat loss. We established a cell line from tissue obtained by wedge biopsy of the I. alvarius parotoid gland and confirmed the cell-based biosynthesis of 5-MeO-DMT by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Cell-based biosynthesis of I. alvarius parotoid gland secretions is a potentially cruelty-free and sustainable source of naturally derived 5-MeO-DMT for research and drug development.